For lunch today I met with former ‘eastwicker’ Giovanni Rodriguez and Silicon Valley Watcher’s Tom Foremski to discuss ideas we had for hosting a conversation on Social Media among Silicon Valley Marketing and PR professionals. After a couple of hours of brainstorming and bs’ing, we have a great idea for doing something unique. We are organizing an event that will provide key insights and strategies for Silicon Valley communication’s professionals to make the most of Social Media, and right now, we are looking at holding the evnt in the 2nd half of October.

Giovanni and Tom have agreed to be Co-Chairs of this event, as well as becoming Presenting Sponsors. They will be helping with the content, event design and promotion - ensuring we have the right mix of participants. Yes, we are taking about a participatory, interactive dialogue rather than a “Panel’s and Podium’s” sort of event - but more on that to come over the weeks ahead as the details fall into place. We are also making this a fee based event, rather than a free one, with discounts for Social Media Club members (more on that piece to come after Burning Man and the Labor Day Holiday).

At the moment, we need help with the big pieces of this emerging puzzle - venue, sponsors, volunteers. We have some good location leads in Silicon Valley, but we are still open to other suggestions or opportunities. If you have any interest in helping with this event, please do contact us and let us know.

I am very, very excited to have the combined wisdom and support of two of the most enlightened Social Media thought leaders I know. This is a powerful first step in expanding the types of programs we are offering through Social Media Club - we are certainly off to a good start, and heading in the right direction.